This year, India is at the helm of the BRICS chairmanship and is preparing to host the annual summit in September. The gathering in New Delhi is expected to see Russian President Vladimir Putin in attendance, as confirmed by a Kremlin official. The event is scheduled to take place on September 12-13, marking a significant occasion for the member countries.
Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov confirmed President Putin’s participation in the summit, underlining the importance of the meeting for Russia’s international relations. Additionally, a bilateral meeting between President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping is on the agenda for the sidelines of the summit. This meeting underscores the ongoing collaboration and dialogue among the BRICS nations, particularly between Russia and China.
President Putin’s upcoming visit to India follows his last trip in December 2025 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. This visit continues the tradition of close ties between the two countries, with a focus on strengthening their strategic partnership. Earlier in the month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was in New Delhi for a two-day conclave with fellow BRICS member states, highlighting the active engagement within the bloc.
BRICS, initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expanded its membership in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Indonesia joined the grouping a year later in 2025. This expansion reflects the bloc’s growing influence and its role as a major global platform. Together, these 11 leading emerging economies represent nearly 49.5% of the world’s population, approximately 40% of global GDP, and around 26% of global trade.